Residence

Dr. Kevin McCormick Receives Prestigious National Honour From Finland

February 23rd, 2017

Dr. Kevin McCormick, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University, is the recipient of a national Order from Finland, which is considered to be among one of the highest honours the government of Finland can bestow. This most recent accolade is consistent with Dr. McCormick’s distinguished global reputation, which has garnered him national and international honours from Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States and Italy.

In a private investiture ceremony, held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in Greater Sudbury, Dr. McCormick was presented with the Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, by His Excellency Vesa Lehtonen, Ambassador of Finland to Canada.

“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Finland, I have the great honour to decorate Dr. Kevin McCormick in recognition of his outstanding leadership with the Canadian Finnish Institute,” state H.E. Vesa Lehtonen, Ambassador of Finland to Canada. “In a very short time, The Canadian Finnish Institute has brought together many leaders from the Finnish community, and has made noticeable gains in highlighting the contributions of the Finnish people to Canada. As a recipient of this significant and prestigious award, Dr. McCormick represents an elite group of individuals recognized for their exceptional dedication to the advancement of Finland.”

“I am very proud to see Dr. McCormick, recognized by Finland, and named a Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland – one of three official orders in that country,” said Hannu Piironen, Honorary Consul of Finland. “His vision for the Canadian Finnish Institute, the only one of its kind in this country, makes him a most deserving recipient of this prestigious international honour.”

In October 2015, Huntington University officially announced the launch of the Canadian Finnish Institute – a new organization aimed at highlighting the contributions of the Finnish people to Canada. Dr. McCormick was instrumental in founding the Canadian Finnish Institute and establishing the endowment fund which has created a Fellowship program, scholarships, and upcoming conferences, to name but a few activities. The Canadian Finnish Institute has been embraced by the local Finnish community and continues to be highly praised by officials from the governments of both Finland and Canada. In 2017, the Canadian Finnish Institute is planning events and activities to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation and Finland’s 100th of Finnish Independence.

“I am privileged and humbled to receive this prestigious Order from the government of Finland, in recognition of my personal efforts to establish the Canadian Finnish Institute as a national centre of excellence,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick. “On this auspicious occasion, I am reminded how inspired I am by the passion and dedication which Finnish Canadians continue to show throughout Northern Ontario, Canada and the world. I am proud that our university, through the Canadian Finnish Institute, has pursued a leading role in bringing these stories to the forefront.”

About Dr. Kevin McCormick

Dr. Kevin McCormick is a Canadian citizen who continues to drive positive change in his community, country and around the globe. He is a passionate champion for education, a humanitarian of distinction, an avid volunteer, a community builder and a true global citizen. At present, he is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University in Greater Sudbury, the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Irish Regiment of Canada, a Patron of St. John Ambulance – Ontario Council, and also devotes much of his time and talent to support organizations at the local, provincial and national levels.

Dr. Kevin McCormick currently holds other national and international honours and awards from Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States and Italy. Recent honours include: National Commendation – Minister of Veterans Affairs (2016), International Peace Medal – YMCA (2015), the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (2014), the Community Builders Award for Excellence (2014), the Queen’s Diamond (2012) and Golden (2002) Jubilee Medals, and Canadian Professor of the Year (1999). Kevin is also an Officer in the Order of St. John (2010). In 2010 Dr. McCormick also became one of few Canadians to be named a Member of the Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Thailand, by the King, for his contributions to international education and humanitarianism. He has also been recognized with numerous citations from local governments, charitable groups and professional organizations.